Most museums are filled with paintings, fossils, or old documents, but this one has something you probably never expected to see up close.
One of its most famous artifacts is a set of George Washington’s real dentures, giving you a chance to separate fact from one of America’s biggest historical myths.
That’s just the beginning, though, because inside you’ll also find fascinating exhibits that show how far dentistry has come over the last few centuries.
If you’re looking for one of Maryland’s most surprising attractions, keep reading because this museum delivers plenty of unforgettable discoveries.
Where Is It?
You can find the Dr. Samuel D. Harris National Museum of Dentistry at 31 South Greene Street on the University of Maryland, Baltimore campus.
It’s conveniently located about a 10-minute walk from Oriole Park at Camden Yards and only 5 minutes by car from Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.
If you’re exploring downtown Baltimore, you can easily reach the museum by car, rideshare, or public transit, making it a simple stop to add to your itinerary.
About
The Dr. Samuel D. Harris National Museum of Dentistry is one of the state’s most unusual museums, dedicated to the history and evolution of dentistry.
It opened in 1996 and is affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution, giving you the chance to explore centuries of dental history through artifacts, exhibits, and dental instruments.
The museum’s biggest claim to fame is the opportunity to see one of George Washington’s dentures up close.
Despite the popular myth, Washington’s dentures were not made of wood.
Instead, they were made from a surprising mix of materials, including human teeth, horse teeth, elephant ivory, and metals like gold, tin, and copper.
Seeing them in person highlights one of the most famous misconceptions in American history while showing how uncomfortable 18th-century dental care could be.
Another standout exhibit is the set of dental instruments used by Queen Victoria’s dentist, Sir Edwin Saunders, from 1846 to 1883.
The beautifully decorated tools feature crowns, roses, thistles, and shamrocks, showing that even dental instruments could be works of art.
As you continue through the galleries, you’ll find loads of historic dental tools that range from delicate picks and mirrors to old-fashioned forceps, drills, and tooth powders.
You’ll also see vintage dental chairs, historic treatment rooms, and old dental workstations filled with the tools dentists once used every day.
If you’re familiar with the Tooth Fairy, you’ll enjoy The Magic of Teeth exhibit.
It explores the origins of the famous tradition, along with the myths, rituals, and superstitions that cultures around the world have associated with teeth for centuries.
For kids, there are hands-on exhibits where they can practice brushing giant teeth and learn healthy dental habits through fun activities.
Together, these displays bring the history of dentistry to life and show what dental visits were like before modern technology and anesthesia.
Between George Washington’s famous dentures, antique dental artifacts, and centuries of history, this museum offers one of Maryland’s most memorable experiences.
Know Before You Go
Opening Hours
The Dr. Samuel D. Harris National Museum of Dentistry is open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and closed on Mondays and weekends.
Hours can occasionally change for special events or holidays, so it’s a good idea to check the museum’s official website before you head out.
Admission Prices
Tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for seniors, students, and children ages 3 through 12.
Children under 2, members, military personnel, and teachers receive free admission.
How Long to Spend
Plan to spend about 60 to 90 minutes exploring the exhibits.
If you enjoy reading exhibit panels and taking a closer look at the historic artifacts, you could easily spend up to two hours here.
Parking
If you’re driving, metered parking is available on Greene Street and West Pratt Street.
You can also park in nearby garages, including Baltimore Grand on North Paca Street, about a five-minute walk from the museum.
Nearby Attractions
Since the museum is just a five-minute drive from downtown Baltimore, it’s easy to combine your visit with some of the city’s top attractions.
Just a two-minute drive away is Oriole Park at Camden Yards, where you can catch an Orioles game or simply admire one of the most famous ballparks in baseball.
You can also swing by the B&O Railroad Museum, home to one of the world’s most important railroad collections and the largest collection of 19th-century locomotives in the U.S.
For something a little moodier, head to the Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum, where you can step inside the former home of one of America’s most famous writers.
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